Senior Buyer

Job Title: Senior Buyer - Aerospace & Defense

Location: Columbus MS

Position Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Buyer to join our procurement team in the aerospace and defense sector. The Senior Buyer will play a crucial role in managing strategic sourcing, supplier relationships, and purchasing activities to support our company’s objectives in quality, delivery, and cost-effectiveness. This role requires a deep understanding of aerospace and defense industry requirements, including compliance, quality standards, and risk management.

• Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management:
  • Identify, assess, and qualify suppliers to ensure alignment with company objectives, compliance with industry standards, and delivery reliability.
  • Develop and implement sourcing strategies to optimize costs, ensure quality, and mitigate risks.
  • Negotiate contracts, terms, and conditions to secure favorable terms that meet the company’s cost, quality, and lead-time requirements.
  • Maintain and strengthen relationships with key suppliers, ensuring alignment on strategic goals.
  • Strong cost reduction background in material, component, sub-assemblies, Design to specification items.
• Procurement and Inventory Management:
  • Manage the end-to-end procurement process for assigned categories, including RFQs, PO generation, and order tracking.
  • Optimize inventory levels to meet demand forecasts while minimizing excess and obsolescence.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Engineering, Quality, Production) to ensure material availability and timely delivery.
  • Monitor and report on supplier performance, conducting regular reviews and taking corrective action as needed.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Ensure all procurement activities comply with regulatory standards, including ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and other relevant aerospace and defense regulations.
  • Maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing, and other important data for auditing and reporting purposes.
  • Manage import/export compliance requirements, collaborating with logistics teams to ensure smooth flow of goods.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost savings within the procurement function.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and new technologies that could benefit sourcing and procurement activities.
  • Lead and mentor junior members of the purchasing team, providing guidance in best practices, problem-solving, and career development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of procurement experience, preferably within the aerospace or defense sector.
• In-depth knowledge of industry regulations, including ITAR, DFARS, and FAR.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing and supplier management, especially with highly regulated or high-specification suppliers.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems; familiarity with SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms is preferred.
• APICS or ISM certification (such as CPSM or CPIM) is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.